Fernandinho: We can win the Champions League

New Manchester City signing Fernandinho has boldly declared that the club can win the UEFA Champions League next season.

The Brazilian, who joined the club for a reported fee of £30 million at the Etihad Stadium, is one of two key players to have arrived at City in the close season.

Sevilla winger Jesus Navas has also signed at the Etihad Stadium and more new players are expected.

And the 28-year-old believes that the club's signings can improve their poor record in the Champions League.

City have failed to make it past the group stage in their last two campaigns in Europe's premier club competition but Fernandinho feels that is about to change.

"I hope City can put in an excellent performance in the competition," Fernandinho told The Sun.

"That would excite the supporters and get us to the final games of the competition. A cup would be incredible and it is the best in Europe. I believe we can do it."

Fernandinho, who signed from Shakhtar Donetsk, is excited to begin his playing career in the Premier League.

He has labelled City's arch-rivals, Manchester United, as their biggest threat to winning their second Premier League crown in three years, but knows they will be up against it every week in the upcoming season.

"Each team has a different playing style. But I believe the larger clubs in the Premier League – like United – will be beyond any doubt the hardest ones," he said.

"That's due to the quality of their players and their tactical organisations. But nowadays all teams are hard to beat.

"What I really want is to play as soon as possible for City."

Fernandinho also spoke of his desire to represent his home country at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, which will be staged in Brazil.

The midfielder is not a regular for Brazil and made his last appearance in February 2012.

"It's all very close and the time passes quickly," he said.

"Everybody is getting ready for this great event. I hope next year everything can go smoothly and I can play for my country after starring for my new club."